A Florida resident has died from a nationwide outbreak of Listeria from contaminated deli meat, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced.
Last month, health officials recalled hand-sliced deli meats due to the presence of the bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes.
In the most recent update earlier this month, the CDC confirmed 14 new cases, bringing the total amount to 57 across 18 states. All 57 have been hospitalized.
Among those, were five new deaths— one of those being a Florida resident. The remaining four deaths were reported in Tennessee, New Mexico, and two from South Carolina.
According to the CDC, this is the largest outbreak of Listeria since 2011, which was linked to cantaloupe.
The recalled items are Boar’s Head Ready-to-Eat Liverwurst products produced between June 11 and July 17, with the label “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst made in Virginia.” They were 3.5-pound loaves in a plastic casing with sell-by dates ranging from July 25 to Aug. 30.
Officials also urge everyone to discard Boar’s Head products with “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.
Those who believe they may be infected are encouraged to immediately call their healthcare provider if they experience fever, muscle aches, tiredness, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures. It can take up to 10 weeks for Listeria symptoms to show up.
Any questions can be made to the Florida Department of Health at 850-245-4444.